New Porsche 918 Spyder more economical than a Toyota Prius

With its fine lines, supercharged engine and famous badge, it is a boy racer’s dream wheels.

Prototype: It has already appeared in some versions of the Need For Speed video games, and the new Porsche 918 may appease the green lobby thanks to its liquid cooled lithium-ion battery set-up (Pictures: SWNS/Porsche)

The Porsche 918 Spyder can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than three seconds, leaving most road supercars trailing.

But it is more economical than a Toyota Prius and its emissions are so low it will be exempt from the London congestion charge.

The ‘plug-in hybrid’ will be capable of 94miles per gallon, making it twice as economical as a 1.6-litre Ford Focus. In comparison, a Toyota Prius will do 72.4mpg while the greenest version of Britain’s biggest selling car, the Ford Fiesta, manages 78.5mpg.

Various drive modes suit everything from a supermarket run (like that’s going to happen) to racetrack madness.

Its secret lies in its hybrid system where two electric motors generate power alongside a 4.6-litre engine.

Of course, very few people have driven one of these yet, so it could be an absolute dog on the school run.

Then again… it probably will give the drive of your life.

But, before you rush out to place an order, you need to know three things. It won’t be available until September 2013. Just 918 will be made. It will cost £670,000.